For interiors in eco or bionic style, sockets and switches from the Cariva and Valena series from the Legrand brand, which have a flattened shape, are suitable. The main part, for example, the white square switch key or the “patch” of the socket, is enclosed in a square frame. Cariva is characterized by slightly rounded corners, a reduced diagonal, and frames in white, blue-gray, gold or silver. Valena products are more angular, with a wood-like design added. You can choose from the Celiane range of switches, sockets, dimmers and thermostats in ivory or wood/stone finishes. Provence and country are less strict when it comes to decor and color; bright shades and floral prints are allowed. In this regard, the Valena Allure and Valena Life series offer more opportunities.
Areas of application
Triple switches are used to switch three groups of lighting fixtures.
It is possible to create combined lighting when both central and local light, multi-arm chandeliers, multi-level lamps in plasterboard ceilings, etc. are used. The advantages of tees include the following characteristics:
- economical energy consumption;
- small dimensions;
- attractive design;
- the ability to control lighting fixtures in different rooms from one place;
- the ability to use where the use of dimmers is not practical due to technical conditions;
- If desired, you can change the light intensity of the room.
Electricity savings are achieved as follows. For example, there is a six-lamp chandelier in the room, for which there is a single switch. When the lights are turned on, all six lamps are used, because there is simply no other option for supplying electricity. If the lighting fixtures are divided into zones, then after pressing one of the keys, two or three lamps will turn on, which may be quite enough for good illumination, and energy consumption will be lower.
So, the use of tees is justified when achieving the following goals:
- changes in the light intensity of one of the lighting fixtures;
- control from one place several light sources at once;
- control of individual lighting zones within one room.
Device: advantages and disadvantages
Until recently, the connection of various elements - sockets and switches - was carried out in a separate junction box, and then they were carried to those places that were determined by the project. Now savings come first: both time and effort. Paired designs make it possible to perform the operation much faster.
pros
Among the advantages of combined blocks:
- A simpler circuit, thanks to which there is no need to lay wires to each element.
- Fairly easy marking due to the larger block size.
- The fastest possible installation on walls.
- Minimum number of holes.
This is not to say that this solution does not have its drawbacks.
Minuses
These include:
- High price. Combined blocks, naturally, are more expensive than individual elements.
- Impracticality. If one component of the device fails, then more often the entire unit will have to be replaced.
- Increased load on wires. In this case, it is necessary to calculate their cross-section, otherwise the risk of overheating will be high. To connect a block device, it is recommended to take into account the maximum load.
- Location restrictions. The combined element can no longer be placed at the top of the wall, since in this case the appearance of the room will be spoiled by the plug and cable of an electrical appliance that is constantly needed. “Turning on the light” will not be very convenient, especially in the dark.
The biggest disadvantage is the need to replace the entire unit if one of the elements suddenly refuses to work. All other shortcomings can be accepted. But is the purchase of such an invention justified?
Principle of operation
Unlike a standard two-gang switch, the pass-through switch does not have an “on” and “off” position. Due to the different principle of operation of the mechanism, each key in it controls a changeover contact, that is, voltage is supplied to one outgoing contact and the power is simultaneously turned off from the other outgoing terminal. Two two-key devices control two different lamps/groups of luminaires from two different locations in the room.
The main feature of installing a pass-through switch with two keys is that one four-wire cable or two two-wire cables are laid between such switches. At the same time, it is enough to lay a two-core cable between single-key pass-through switches.
How to install multi-key blocks
This device differs from a simple 1-key device in that the switch has several output contacts. A 1-core wire with a cross-section of 0.75 square meters is laid from each of them. mm to your group of lamps. Otherwise, the connection diagram does not differ from the version with 1 key.
Multi-key blocks are connected to a group of lamps.
The neutral terminals of the luminaires are connected in short sections to a common cable, which leads directly to the junction box.
Basic connection options
In old houses, all connections were made in a junction box under the ceiling. After it, the wires diverged each to its consumer. With the advent of blocks - various devices assembled in a single housing - it became possible to save on cables and cut less wires. In addition, there is no need to carefully measure the height of the socket with the switch in order to place them exactly next to each other.
The disadvantage of such combined devices is that if one thing fails, everything will need to be replaced together. It cannot be replaced separately.
Single-key option
This is the simplest version of the block design. All you need is the unit itself and a connected 3-wire cable. In the distribution box itself, it is necessary to make the wiring: phase, zero - to the socket, zero - to the lamp, another wire from the lamp - to the switch. Now you need to make the necessary connections inside the block itself.
As can be seen from the figure, connecting elements in one block is no different from separate ones. A phase and a neutral go to the socket. The same phase goes to the contact of the switch, then to the lamp. Now everything is inserted into the box, screwed on, and the key is put on. If you did it right, everything will work.
If the outlet is grounded, then the cable will not have 3, but 4 wires. The fourth is yellow-green. It goes to the ground contact. You can't connect it anywhere else!
Two-key block
There are situations when you need to turn on the light in the bathroom or toilet, and then you need to connect the washing machine somewhere. An outlet can only be installed in the bathroom itself if it has the necessary waterproofing. If not, then it is best to mount everything in the hallway. To save space and wires, we will again use the “all in one case” block, but only now with two keys. Connecting it is also not difficult.
Where is the best place to install?
It is very convenient to install such a unit in places where you do not need to constantly connect electrical appliances to an outlet.
Before you connect a double switch for the corridor and the adjacent combined bathroom (bathroom with toilet), think about installing a common unit with an outlet? One button turns on the light in the hallway, the second in the bathroom, and the socket can be used to connect a hair dryer, electric drill, vacuum cleaner, or charge a mobile phone.
The block, which has a socket with a one-key switch, is suitable for installation in garages, sheds, basements, gatehouses, change houses and other outbuildings. In this case, just one switch key is enough to light up the lamp in the room, and the socket is useful for connecting a power tool, kettle, fan or radio.
In other rooms (living room, kitchen, bedroom, children's room), connecting a combined socket-switch unit is unlikely to be advisable. It will not have the aesthetic appearance to fit into the overall interior. After all, the light switch is usually installed at the entrance to the room. Imagine how ugly it will be if the cord of a TV, computer, refrigerator or air conditioner runs here, to the outlet.
Therefore, before you connect a unit that combines an outlet with a switch, think carefully about where you want to put it, and whether it is needed there.
Non-standard application
Some experts advise using a one-key switch with a socket instead of a standard socket - supplying the phase through a switch. This method is convenient for equipment without a shutdown button or quick de-energization of the equipment.
The disadvantage of the scheme is that it is compatible only with low-power consumers, which almost never happens in practice. None of the contacts are designed for high current, so the wiring heats up, melts and causes a fire.
The idea of combining a switch and socket appeared recently, but the devices quickly became popular for reasons of convenience and functionality. If the schemes are followed correctly, combined appliances will become an excellent interior solution, zone the space, and increase the number of power supply points.
Kinds
Two-key switches are available in several versions:
- with backlit keys;
- combined with a socket;
- designed as a pass-through switch.
By design, switches are available for outdoor or indoor installation. Connecting a two-button light switch depends on the specific situation. It is necessary to decide where the switch for two chandeliers will be used and decide which option is needed.
There are options for two-gang switches that have four contacts instead of the standard three. They are two isolated single-key switches combined in one housing. They are called modular.
For indoor installation
This device is the most common. It is used in office and residential buildings. Installed in a mounting box, which is mounted in a plasterboard or concrete/brick wall. Due to the fact that the switch is hidden in the wall, it is also called “recessed”. The wires are supplied to it in special grooves called grooves. If the switch is fixed in a framed plasterboard wall, then the cable to the switch is laid in a corrugated pipe.
For outdoor installation
When installing open-type wiring, outdoor switches are used. They are mounted on a non-flammable base, and the wires are connected to them in cable ducts, metal hoses, corrugated plastic pipes or on top of the wall on porcelain insulators. Most often, the connection diagram for a two-button switch for two open-type light bulbs is used in wooden houses of gardening partnerships. Outdoor installation is also used in sheds, garages, basements and other utility rooms.
Connection methods
The three-button switch can be connected using a junction box or without it.
With junction box
First of all, you will need to disassemble and remove the old switch from the wall, clean the niche and check the condition of the wiring. There should be five wires coming out of the wall. Now you need to turn off the power to the apartment, straighten the wires, and then direct power to them.
Using an indicator screwdriver or other device, paying attention to the color of the insulating material, find the single-core and neutral phase conductors and connect them to the socket. The phase is placed on the contact going to the jumper of the device. The remaining three wires are placed on their corresponding contacts. When you press the switch buttons, the lights should light up.
Brutal stone
Another natural material that is practical and durable is natural stone. Accessories with stone elements add status to the setting and make it visually more expensive.
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
Photo: Instagram lumart_spb
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
Photo: plhitalia.com
Photo: alef-elektro.ru
Touch switch made of natural marble
How to connect a socket and switch: diagrams and installation recommendations
You can replace switches and sockets yourself or hire specialists to do this work. If you lack knowledge and skills in handling the electrical network, it is better to give preference to the second option. In this case, the risk of short circuit is eliminated, and compliance with all safety rules and high-quality installation is guaranteed.
Note! If powerful electrical appliances such as a water heater are connected, grounding will be required. In this case, it is better to invite an electrician. The technician will select a cable with the optimal cross-section and correctly connect the wires to the outlet.
Connection diagram for socket with switch
List of necessary tools for installing the product yourself:
- drill core;
- drill;
- pliers;
- screwdrivers with insulated handles (2 pcs.);
- wire cutters
Preparation for installation involves choosing a location for installation, marking and drilling holes in the wall using a crown. If the wiring in the room is hidden, you will need to create a niche. The body part has perforated holes for cables. They should be broken out.
How to connect a socket and a switch from one two-wire wire
For a socket with a switch in one design, a certain sequence of installation actions is provided. The easiest way to solve the problem involves using a clear diagram for connecting the wires to the device in the distribution block.
Before carrying out work, it is imperative to turn off the power to the apartment or house.
How to connect a socket from a switch:
- Forming a hole for mounting an indoor unit or selecting the optimal location for installing an outdoor one.
- Determining the phase from the distribution panel and de-energizing the room.
- Phase supply to the switch. To do this, the ends of the phase conductors are stripped, twisted and covered with insulation.
- The neutral core of the network is connected to the socket and covered with insulation.
- Wires that are left unused are twisted together and covered with insulating material.
Using this diagram for connecting a socket and a switch by connecting the phase cable through a switch will be advisable if the power socket is used extremely rarely, and constant switching on and off of electrical appliances is required.
The operating principle of this design is extremely simple. If the switch is in the on position, a phase is supplied to the socket through the switch. This system is convenient in cases where there is a water heater installed in the room that does not have an off button. Due to the installation of the combined structure, you will not have to constantly pull the plug from the network.
Following safety rules, it is necessary to work with rubberized gloves.
How to connect a socket with a switch in one block
The switch and socket, combined in one design, can be operated separately from each other. For example, in a diagram for connecting a light bulb through a switch with a socket, cables with phase and neutral are laid from the main panel to the distributor box.
The box will contain several wires:
- Cables coming from the lamp (2 pcs.).
- Wires leading from the block (3 pcs.).
The phase conductor that comes from the shield is connected to the socket. The neutral conductor from the electrical network is connected to the neutral cable coming from the lamp and socket. In turn, the phase wires connecting the switch and the cartridge are twisted together and must be insulated. After this, the ground connection is connected using a suitable cable.
The process of connecting a socket with a switch in one housing
Helpful advice! To create a connection between the socket and the terminal located on the switch, it is advisable to use a jumper.
In this connection diagram for a single-key switch, the socket will operate independently of it. In this case, the process of turning off and on the light bulb of a lighting fixture in a room will not affect other elements of this design and affect their functioning.
How to connect a double switch and socket to the network
Most often, a two-key switch and socket are installed in a partition, in the area between the doors to the toilet and bathroom. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to control the lighting in two rooms and simultaneously connect any electrical appliances through an AC outlet.
Diagram of the distribution box and connection of a two-gang switch.
Five conductors are used for connection. They connect the twin structure and the junction box. During operation, you need to make sure that the neutral wire and the grounding conductor are connected to the outlet and only to it. Using a special jumper, you should apply a phase to a switch with two keys. This element is present in the switching block.
According to the double switch circuit, a pair of free wires is connected to its switching contacts. Through this element the phase will be supplied to the lighting fixtures located in the bathroom and toilet. In the distribution box, you should twist the wires of the free cores with those that supply the phase through the switch. Due to this, the system is connected to the light bulb sockets in the premises.
The ground and neutral wires are formed in the distributor box by connecting the bare ends with twists that were intended to connect the socket. If the need arises to replace the sequence of switch keys that supply voltage to the lighting fixtures in the bathroom and toilet, the cores on the switching contacts should be swapped.
Installing a new switch box with socket
Here's what's best to use in such cases:
5. New socket, switch, box
Also, to install a block of socket and switch, you need a double frame, it was not included in the frame. She will be in the last photos, I promise.
Karre sockets – television and power under a triple frame. Photo from an article about checking new outlets
The box is specially designed for two installation places, one-piece. It is better to use it than two separate ones with a jumper.
We install the distribution box. You have to cut out part of the top side to minimize bending of the old aluminum.
6.Installation of a new installation box in the old place
At the bottom you have to trim a little so that the box is flush with the wall:
7.Customize the box
Next comes the longest, dirtiest and most unpleasant part. We work with alabaster or gypsum putty, use a spatula and preferably a level. After this, you can relax - smoke or (in my case) ask the hosts to pour some tea.
Now we use pieces of copper wire with a cross-section of 1.5 mm2 and my favorite Vago terminal blocks, which are a great help in such cases.
It is important that in order for this entire structure to stand for many years (until new electrical wiring is laid), it must be properly protected electrically. The current of the circuit breaker in this case should be no more than 16 A, or better - 13 or even 10 Ampere
I have already written in detail about the choice of a circuit breaker (circuit breaker) more than once, for example, here is an article.
8.Installation of a box for a double switch with a socket. We use alabaster and Vago terminal blocks
We act from below.
9.Connect and install the socket first
I use double Vago terminals to extend the wires to the switch, quadruple terminals for phase distribution, I managed to screw the neutral onto the socket directly, the length allowed.
We fix the socket with self-tapping screws in the box. I have already written about how to securely secure an outlet; for those who haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. We don’t tighten it too much, but you can completely ignore the spacer lugs and even throw them away.
We install and connect the switch according to the connection diagram. We securely and evenly fix the entire structure with self-tapping screws.
10.The socket and switch are connected and installed. See the gap between the outlet and the double switch? It should be 0.5-1 mm wide and the same along the entire length.
The matter is nearing its end. A few deft moves...
11. We put on a double frame
And the installation of the socket block with switch is complete!
12. The socket and switch block are installed in the bathroom
Update from April 26, 2014: Here’s another “kick-ass”: a switch for two rooms. This is an apartment in the old district of Taganrog, it doesn’t happen there (for example, there are two phases in the apartment, because between the phases there is 220V, not 380) - there was one room, now there are two. But the switch remains...
Switch between rooms
Installation errors
When connecting a three-key switch with a socket in the same housing, erroneous actions are possible, as a result of which the lighting devices may not turn on. Common cases include:
- A non-working switch with a working socket indicates that the technician has mixed up the phase and neutral wires. You need to check the design with an indicator and make the required changes.
- Two buttons do not function until the third is pressed - a sign that the phase was launched to the output of the third button, and not to the main input.
You should not connect a tee to the socket - its contacts are not designed for high voltage, and the device may stop functioning.
Manufacturing companies
Often the choice of a particular switch with a socket is determined by the attractiveness of the design. For example, the Spanish company produces antique-style models. German products are distinguished by modern, sophisticated design. French electrics are successfully integrated into the surrounding interior: both vertical and horizontal modifications are made. Perhaps the widest selection of products is presented. The product line of this Swiss company also includes products with LED backlighting.
Among Russian manufacturers, Kuntsevo-Electro can be distinguished. The company produces several models of three-key switches:
- BELLA BKVR-039 (there is a socket without a grounding contact);
- BELLA BKVR-212 (with indicator light);
- BELLA BKVR-036 (the model is equipped with a European socket and protective curtains).
Combined unit Bella BKVR-033 and BKVR-054
The specified switches operate in 220 V networks with a rated current of 10 A. Models are also produced in Russia for a rated current of 16 A with grounding. For example, NPO Elektrotekhnika produces models BZVRzk-S and BZVRzksh-S.
Features of combined products
Paired modules are suitable for installation on surfaces made of wood, stone, plasterboard and concrete. They are distinguished by their aesthetic appearance, ergonomics and can be installed with a minimum number of installation channels.
Models can be built into the wall or located on its surface. They are suitable for indoor use or are equipped with a moisture-resistant housing for outdoor installation. A special cover prevents moisture and dust from accessing the inside of the case and the contacts. This solution is relevant if the bathroom is equipped with an interlocking modification.
How to choose a socket with a switch
Socket with three-button switch
When choosing a suitable device, you should pay attention to several factors:
- compatibility with technical characteristics and features of the power line;
- compliance with the design of the room;
- functionality in terms of power of connected equipment;
- number of buttons and sockets in one block;
- installation features.
Manufacturers produce several models:
- double version - consists of a switch and an ungrounded socket;
- an indoor unit with a switch and a grounded socket, the key comes with an indicator light;
- devices for outdoor installation - the socket and key are hidden under a cover with protection class IP 54.
There are options available for sale with different combinations of keys, switches, and socket groups. The outer part of the housing can be removed - the triple device is suitable for a socket + switch + slot or USB port system.
The average cost of a simple device is 200 rubles. A sample for European wiring with two buttons costs approximately 300 rubles. and is suitable for a total equipment power of 3.5 kW. Waterproof modifications will cost about 450 rubles, and a power unit with three sockets and a one-key switch will cost 1000 rubles.
